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Close-up of classic shrimp etouffee

CLASSIC SHRIMP ETOUFFEE


  • Author: Millie Brinkley
  • Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Take your tastebuds on a flavor trip to the ‘Big Easy’ with this Classic Shrimp Etouffee.  The succulent shrimp, tender vegetables, and spicy gravy are sure to be a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp stock:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Shells and tails from 2 pounds of shrimp
  • Tops of the onions, celery, and carrots
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 jar (8-ounces) clam juice
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 ½ cups unsalted chicken broth

For the Etouffee:

  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sweet onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, with their juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • 2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined (retain the shells)
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce, optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley, as garnish

Sliced scallions, for serving

Steamed white rice, for serving


Instructions

Make the shrimp stock:

In a large saucepan, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering – about 2 minutes.

Toss in the shrimp shells and tops of the onions, celery, carrots, thyme, and bay leaf.  Stir to coat with the oil and cook until fragrant – about 5 minutes.

Add the sliced lemons, clam juice, white wine, and chicken broth.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 40 minutes.

Strain the broth and discard the vegetables and shells.  Set aside to cool.

For the etouffee:

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to turn golden.

Sprinkle in the flour while whisking until it is well incorporated into the flour.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the roux until it turns a deep golden or light brown color – about 10 minutes.

Add the onions, celery, green pepper, garlic, and dried thyme.  Stir well and cook until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender – about 15 minutes.

Pour in the shrimp stock and whisk until fully mixed in with the roux and the vegetables.

Stir in the tomatoes, Worcestershire, and Cajun seasoning.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, hot sauce, and shrimp.  

Return the cover to the pot and allow the shrimp to poach for 5-8 minutes before serving.

Taste to adjust for salt, pepper, and heat.

Serve with white rice and garnished with sliced scallions and chopped parsley.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: New Orleans

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8

Keywords: classic shrimp etouffee, NOLA recipes, New Orleans food, Mardi Gras, shrimp recipes, Creole recipes, roux